Germanic · boy

Harold

A distinctive name with a calm, steady presence.

Rank 2024

#988

Trend

stable

Band

rare

Styles

classic

Meaning

Army ruler, leader of the host

Harold is a rare boy name with Germanic roots. In 2024, 227 newborns in the U.S. were given the name — ranking it #988 nationally, and its popularity has held steady in recent years. Its style leans classic — tags you can match against your partner's picks in the combiner.

classic

About Germanic names

Germanic names were built like small shields — two strong word-elements joined together, usually drawn from battle, protection, glory, or rule. That ancient formula gave English many of its most durable classics: William, Henry, Emma, Matilda. Even when the original meanings have faded, the names keep their solid, grounded feel — consonant-forward, confident, and hard to wear out.

Meaning and origin are editorial; U.S. popularity comes from Social Security Administration public files.

Similar names